The Office of the Vice President (OVP) confirmed on Thursday that Vice President Sara Duterte is currently on a personal trip overseas with her family.
In a statement, the OVP acknowledged the unfortunate timing of Duterte’s departure amidst the impacts of Typhoon Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) in Luzon. The office emphasized that the trip had received necessary approvals, including a travel authority from the Office of the President dated July 9, 2024.
“The timing of the trip coinciding with Typhoon Carina is unfortunate. Nonetheless, the Disaster Operations Center of the OVP, institutionalized by the Vice President, is always ready to assist families affected by calamities,” the OVP stated.
While the OVP did not disclose the destination, several news reports indicated that Duterte and her family had traveled to Germany.
Ongoing Assistance Amidst Calamity
Despite Duterte’s absence, the OVP continues to provide aid to those affected by Typhoon Carina and Habagat. The office reported pre-positioning goods for approximately 6,700 families. Additionally, the Disaster Operations Center (DOC) distributed hot meals to disaster responders in Barangay Manresa, Quezon City, and provided relief bags to 300 families evacuated to Manresa Covered Court. Each relief box included food packs, hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, slippers, expandable water jugs, and other necessities.
Senator Imee Marcos defended Duterte, stating that the trip was personal and had been planned well in advance. “Matagal nang plano ‘yun at hindi naman niya alam na may bagyo, pambihira naman,” Marcos said in an interview. (It was planned a long time ago. How could she know that there was going to be a storm?)
Marcos also praised the OVP’s quick response, noting that pre-positioned supplies were already distributed across various locations. “At nakita naman natin ang unang umaksyon ‘yung OVP sa totoo lang. Nagkalat na ‘yung mga naka-preposition na pagkain, mga gamot, damit, ikinalat na sa iba’t ibang lugar at palagay ko talagang nakatutok naman sila,” she added. (The OVP was among the first to respond. There were already pre-positioned food, medicine, and clothes distributed in various areas. It seems they were really monitoring the situation.)
The OVP’s DOC leads all disaster response activities and coordinates closely with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMC).